Amazon Swiftly Disables Assistive Reader Feature on Kindle Devices
Amazon Rapidly Pulls Back Assistive Reader Feature from Kindle E-Readers
In a surprising turn of events, Amazon has withdrawn the Assistive Reader feature from its 11th and 12th generation Kindle e-readers just a few days after its introduction in the 5.18.4 firmware update.
The Assistive Reader, a major new accessibility feature, offered text-to-speech read-aloud functionality with word highlighting, supporting multiple languages, and requiring Bluetooth audio devices. However, it seems that the feature needed further refinement before a full release, leading to its removal.
Amazon opted for a remote disablement, meaning users lost access without needing to downgrade or update again. This approach is unusual for Amazon, as they typically release firmware updates to add or remove features.
Interestingly, the Kindle still contains help files for the Assistive Reader, suggesting it may return in an improved form in a future update. The official release notes for 5.18.4 never mentioned the Assistive Reader, which may indicate the feature was not fully finalized at launch.
Michael Kozlowski, a writer specializing in audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has been following this development closely. He notes that the Assistive Reader was initially available on the Kindle app for iOS in late 2024.
To use the Assistive Reader, Kindle users will need Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to listen to the text-to-speech content. It remains unclear when or if the feature will be reintroduced, but for now, Kindle users will have to rely on other accessibility features available on the device.
[1] Kozlowski, M. (2025). Amazon Removes Assistive Reader Feature from Kindle E-Readers. Good e-Reader. Retrieved from https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/amazon-removes-assistive-reader-feature-from-kindle-e-readers
[2] Amazon (2025). Kindle 5.18.4 Firmware Update. Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202078660
[3] Kozlowski, M. (2024). Kindle App for iOS Gains Assistive Reader Feature. Good e-Reader. Retrieved from https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/kindle-app-for-ios-gains-assistive-reader-feature
[4] Amazon (2024). Kindle App for iOS Update 5.17.0. Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202078660
[5] Amazon (2025). Kindle 5.18.4 Firmware Update Release Notes. Amazon. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202078660
The Assistive Reader, a desirable feature on gadgets like e-readers, has been removed from Kindle e-readers, as reported by Michael Kozlowski, a technology specialist. It appears Amazon may reintroduce the Assistive Reader feature in an improved form in a future update.
